obability the British squadron would be
reinforced, and sail back to their relief; or if it should not return,
it was the duty of the governor to defend the place to extremity,
without having any regard to the consequences. These remarks being
overruled, the chamade was beat, a conference ensued, and very
honourable conditions were granted to the garrison, in consideration of
the gallant defence they had made. This it must be owned was vigorous
while it lasted, as the French general was said to have lost five
thousand men in the siege; whereas the loss of the garrison, which at
first fell short of three thousand men, did not exceed one hundred. The
capitulation imported, that the garrison should march out with all the
honours of war, and be conveyed by sea to Gibraltar. The French were
put in possession of one gate, as well as fort Charles and Marlborough
redoubt; but the English troops remained in the other works till the
seventh day of July, when they embarked. In the meantime reciprocal
civilities passed between the commanders and officers of both nations.

{GEORGE II. 1727-1760}

SIR E. HAWKE SAILS TO MINORCA.

The articles of capitulation were no sooner executed, than monsieur de
la Galissonniere sailed back to Toulon, with all the prizes which had
lain at anchor in the harbour of Matron, since the fort of St. Philip
was first invested. In all probability, the safety of himself and his
whole squadron was owing to this expeditious retreat; for in a few days
after the surrender of the fort, sir Edward Hawke's fleet, augmented by
five ships of the line, which had been sent from England when the first
tidings arrived of Minorca's being invaded, now made its appearance off
the island; but by this time Galissonniere was retired, and the English
admiral had the mortification to see the French colours flying upon St.
Philip's castle. What, perhaps, chagrined this gallant officer still
more, he was not provided with frigates, sloops, and small craft, to
cruise round the island and intercept the supplies which were daily sent
to the enemy. Had he reached Minorca sooner, he might have discomfited
the French squadron; but he could not have raised the siege of St.
Philip's, because the duke de Richelieu had received his reinforcements,
and such a train of artillery as no fortification could long withstand.
Indeed, if the garrison had been considerably reinforced, and the
communication with it opened by sea, the defence